Election & Voter Information

City Council Elections
The City Council consists of five “at-large” members who are nominated by eligible electors (a person 18 years of age or older and residing within Altoona). Those interested to run for city council may pick up nomination papers from the City Clerk’s Office or the Polk County Election Office.

Regular city elections occur every two years on the same day as national elections. National elections occur on the Tuesday that follows the first Monday of November. A regular city election is one in which the mayor seat or council member seats are open. In addition to regular elections, the City Council may also call a special election for reasons allowed by Iowa State Code.

Am I registered to vote in Iowa?
You can check if you are registered to vote on the Iowa Secretary of State website.

How do I register to vote?
If you have a valid driver’s license, you can register to vote online here.

You can learn more about voter registration and obtain a registration form through the Iowa Secretary of State Website, or you can visit the City Clerk’s office at City Hall or the Polk County Election Office:

City Clerk Office
900 Venbury Dr., Ste. A
Altoona, IA 50009
Mon-Fri, 8:00am – 4:30pm, except holidays
(515) 967-5136

Polk County Election Office
120 Second Ave
Des Moines, IA
Mon-Fri, 8:00am – 5:00pm, except holidays
(515) 286-3247
election@polkcountyiowa.gov

There are voter registration deadlines before you can vote at any particular election.  Please contact the City Clerk’s office to confirm the deadline.

Where do I vote?
Voting precincts and polling locations are searchable through the Iowa Secretary of State website. You can also view the current Altoona Precinct map here. Special elections may have alternate voting locations. To verify the polling hours and location, contact your county auditor.

How can I get an absentee ballot?
If you are registered to vote in Iowa, you can request an absentee ballot from your county auditor. Learn  more about absentee voting here.

How do I run for office?
If you are interested in running for an open seat, please contact the City Clerk at (515) 967-5136 or the Polk County Election office at (515) 286-3247.